Gosh, that's a lot of animals, Ann. Our tri-county area has a population of about 300,000, to give you a perspective.
Cindy, I think the penalties (jail time of not less than 1 year but not more than 5 and fines not less than $1,500 up to $10,000) is pretty good considering that we've previously had no felony designation attached to animal cruelty. It may have a real effect as many people really don't want to be a convicted felon. That would have many repercussions for them beyond the fines and/or jail time. |